Grand Theft Auto III, released in 2001 by Rockstar Games, is often credited with revolutionizing the open-world genre. Set in the fictional Liberty City, the game gave players unprecedented freedom to explore, complete missions, and interact with a living, breathing world. The success of GTA III helped define what open-world games could be, influencing countless titles that followed.

Liberty City is modeled after New York City, with many iconic landmarks and diverse neighborhoods. Players could choose to follow the main storyline or simply cause chaos in the city, creating their own narratives. GTA III’s blend of storytelling, freedom, and a detailed world set a new standard for video games and established Rockstar as a leader in game design and development.